Mbabane – The Eswatini National Association of Journalists (ESNAJ) and the Eswatini Editors Forum (EEF) have relaunched the country’s National Media Awards (NMAs) to celebrate journalistic excellence and strengthen professional standards.
Entries for the 2025 NMAs open on 6 October and close on 30 November, with the Awards Gala set for 12 December in Mbabane. The awards recognise journalists whose work informs the public with credibility, integrity, and impact.
“The NMAs celebrate work that shapes the nation’s narrative and honours professional standards,” said ESNAJ President Lwazi Dlamini. He noted that the awards return after a gap, stressing the importance of institutionalising media excellence.
EEF Chairman Mbongeni Mbingo said the platform is long overdue, adding that it will reward leadership in newsrooms and outstanding journalism across Eswatini.
The inaugural 2025 edition will feature twelve categories, including Journalist of the Year, News Story of the Year, Investigative Reporter Award, Community Impact Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Editorial Leadership Award, Emerging Reporter Award, Business Reporter Award, Sports Reporter Award, Environmental & Climate Change Reporter Award, Columnist of the Year, and the Regional Integration Award. Expansion of categories is planned for 2026.
Eligible entries must have been published or broadcast between 1 December 2024 and 30 November 2025 by media houses registered in Eswatini. Freelancers may participate if their work appeared on qualifying platforms. Each journalist may submit up to three entries, with the same piece allowed in no more than two categories. Full submission guidelines and entry forms will be available through ESNAJ and EEF channels.
ESNAJ and EEF have called on all media houses to encourage newsroom participation and invite partners to support the awards, promoting credible journalism and national development.
Contacts:
ESNAJ Secretariat – Ntombi Mhlongo: 7940 3708, Fortune Ndlangamandla: 7644 0532, lwazid@rubiconmedia.group
EEF Secretariat – Jabu Matsebula: 7911 8070, sg@editorsforum.co.sz
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